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2025 Best Master of Fine Arts Online

Written by Jordan Beliles • Edited by Bailey Fletcher • Updated 11/4/2024

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A Master of Fine Arts online provides a unique blend of creativity and flexibility, allowing you to pursue advanced studies in creating writing, digital art, photography, and more — from any location. With a focus on individualized learning, virtual workshops, and mentorship, these online and hybrid learning programs nurture your artistic growth while accommodating your busy schedule. An online Master of Fine Arts prepares you for diverse careers in industries such as publishing, entertainment, and education.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Liberty University hosts an online MFA in Studio & Digital Arts and leads as the most popular online school, boasting 45,783 undergraduates studying remotely. 
  • The first nine schools offer online MFA degrees within robust distance learning infrastructures, each supporting over 1,000 online graduate students.

Our methodology evaluates the best online MFA degrees from accredited schools based on which schools are most popular among distance learners. 

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Featured Popular Online Colleges

List Of Accredited Online MFA Schools

  • Online Enrollment: 45,783 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $11,700
  • Location: Lynchburg (VA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Studio & Digital Arts

Why we like them: LU excels in online education, with 45,783 students enrolled and a retention rate of 79%. The Department of Studio & Digital Arts offers an MFA focusing on practical studio experience, allowing students to specialize in areas like Graphic Design and Studio Art. The program includes minors in Photography, Graphic Design, and Studio Art, supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including a ceramics lab and a 3D innovations lab. Faculty with industry experience guide students in developing their artistic talents, emphasizing cultural impact and practical skills.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Recommend Rate: 57%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $12,471
  • Repayment Rate: N/A
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 22,314 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $9,600
  • Location: Manchester (NH)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Why we like them: SNHU stands out in online education, ranking in the top 1% nationally with over 22,000 distance learners. Graduates of an online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from SNHU are equipped to write across contemporary, young adult, romance, and speculative genres while navigating publication and self-promotion. The program also offers two embedded graduate certificates, all with no residency requirement for remote accessibility.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Recommend Rate: 61%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 81%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $4,434
  • Repayment Rate: 93%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 5,033 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $19,680
  • Location: Virginia Beach (VA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting

Why we like them: RU distinguishes itself with an online enrollment of 5,033 students, placing it in the highest 4% of institutions nationwide. RU offers a Master of Fine Arts online, focusing on mastering storytelling for film, television, and stage. Students develop three full-length scripts and can explore various genres and media formats. The curriculum, presented from a Christian worldview, features award-winning faculty and covers courses like Writing for Episodic Drama and Feature Film Scriptwriting, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Recommend Rate: 62%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 94%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $11,842
  • Repayment Rate: 95%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 3,504 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $58,965
  • Location: Philadelphia (PA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Why we like them: Drexel is one of the most popular online graduate schools, with thousands enrolled remotely. Drexel’s Master of Fine Arts degree online offers flexibility and professional growth, featuring three in-person residencies for intensive workshops and networking. The curriculum focuses on fiction writing, specifically, and electives like Novel and Query Writing. Students benefit from award-winning writers, pitch to active agents, and have opportunities for teaching assistantships and credits for published work.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Recommend Rate: 87%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $33,861
  • Repayment Rate: 97%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 3,373 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $23,602
  • Location: Greenville (NC)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts

Why we like them: ECU has one of the best online MFA degrees that offers a wide range of concentrations in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Metal Design, and more. These provide an extensive range of artistic disciplines to choose from. Past students have reported a 92% recommendation rate, highlighting overall satisfaction. The admissions process is streamlined with no GRE requirement, and a solid application package includes a statement of purpose and a portfolio. The program effectively caters to traditional and low-residency students, enhancing its accessibility and appeal.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Recommend Rate: 92%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 80%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,020
  • Repayment Rate: 93%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

  • Online Enrollment: 1,405 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $26,728
  • Location: San Francisco (CA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Animation & Visual Effects

Why we like them: AAU's online presence is notable, with an impressive enrollment of 1,405 students, placing it in the top 19% of institutions that offer MFA degrees online. It's designed to enhance creative and technical skills, with key focus areas including 3D modeling, rendering techniques, and character animation. The program emphasizes practical experience through virtual interactions and occasional in-person industry events. With access to industry-standard software, students develop a diverse portfolio and may qualify for degree-based scholarships to support their studies.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Recommend Rate: 44%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 83%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $8,868
  • Repayment Rate: 85%
  • School Type: For Profit

  • Online Enrollment: 1,210 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $19,300
  • Location: Saint Charles (MO)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Media

Why we like them: Lindenwood offers a Master of Fine Arts online program requiring 48 credit hours over 2-3 years with no residency requirement. With high online enrollment and a high recommendation rate of 92%, Lindenwood demonstrates a strong commitment to student satisfaction and financial accessibility, providing aid to 100% of students. The curriculum enhances digital media aptitude, featuring courses like Print Design and Production, Directing for Film and Television, and Research and Scholastic Writing.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Recommend Rate: 92%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $15,840
  • Repayment Rate: 96%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 1,065 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $16,530
  • Location: Fairfield (IA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting

Why we like them: MIU excels in online education, ranking in the top 24% for enrollment, with over 1,000 virtual students. One standout offering is the David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting, which uniquely integrates transcendental meditation with screenwriting training. This low-residency program spans two years and features intensive courses and flexible residencies led by industry experts. The program fosters a personalized developmental path through narrative evaluations, encouraging students to enhance their creativity while honing their craft in a supportive environment.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 56%
  • Recommend Rate: 67%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 88%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $11,751
  • Repayment Rate: 97%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 1,062 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $22,836
  • Location: San Francisco (CA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts and Writing

Why we like them: CIIS has an impressive 83% recommendation rate and is another popular choice among online learners. The online MFA program is a two-year, 39-unit program that includes required virtual meetings and optional in-person residencies, such as the Interdisciplinary Arts Seminar, with a four-day residency in San Francisco. The curriculum emphasizes creative inquiry, arts in context, and preparing the artist’s portfolio. It offers individualized mentoring sessions with faculty and art professionals, helping to develop students' strategic tools and materials for professional advancement.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Recommend Rate: 83%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: N/A
  • Avg. Aid Package: N/A
  • Repayment Rate: N/A
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 982 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $24,453
  • Location: Radford (VA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Design Thinking

Why we like them: Radford offers a Master of Fine Arts with a concentration in either Studio Art or Design Thinking. Overall, hundreds are enrolled remotely in its graduate programs, and it has an 88% recommendation rate. As part of the MFA degree online, there are courses like Graduate Studio Experimentation and Design Thinking Studio prepare students for successful professional careers, with the flexibility of accepting up to 30% transfer credits from 500-level courses.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Recommend Rate: 88%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,733
  • Repayment Rate: 96%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

  • Online Enrollment: 941 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $26,307
  • Location: Winter Park (FL)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Media Design

Why we like them: FSU hosts an online MFA in Media Design that focuses on blending creative and business skills, offering Brand Development and Design Research courses. Students will benefit from the unique Project LaunchBox, which includes an Apple MacBook and Adobe Creative Cloud, ensuring access to essential technology for professional-level project creation. With monthly class intakes and no traditional application deadlines, it's designed for a flexible, supportive learning experience for graduates.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Recommend Rate: 52%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 78%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $8,531
  • Repayment Rate: 80%
  • School Type: For Profit

  • Online Enrollment: 916 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $16,941
  • Location: Victoria (TX)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Why we like them: With 916 online students, UHV ranks within the top 27% of programs with significant online engagement. It offers a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, a program designed to enhance your literary skills. It includes a core curriculum that requires courses focused on form and poetics through graduate writing workshops amounting to 12 semester hours. The master's program demands a commitment to creative writing electives, requiring 15 semester hours from available advanced publishing and English courses. To culminate the experience, you must complete an MFA Thesis.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,301
  • Repayment Rate: 93%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

  • Online Enrollment: 898 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $42,330
  • Location: Azusa (CA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts

Why we like them: APU offers a low-residency MFA in Visual Art that combines summer residencies with independent studio practice, ideal for graduates, ensuring artistic development. Students engage in rich dialogues of faith and creativity while benefiting from a strong mentorship model. The curriculum emphasizes art theory, historical study, and professional presentation, preparing students to excel in the art world. The program fosters a supportive and dynamic learning environment through national and international artist interactions, enhancing artistic skills and career opportunities.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Recommend Rate: 92%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $27,474
  • Repayment Rate: N/A
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 797 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $35,781
  • Locations: Longmeadow (MA) (and 1 other)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction Writing

Why we like them: BPU stands out with its online Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction Writing, attracting 797 graduate students and ranking in the top 30% for online enrollment nationally. The program offers full- or part-time options and emphasizes the art of storytelling, featuring courses with no residency requirements, unique elective courses, and professional tracks in publishing or narrative medicine, culminating in a 100-120-page thesis capstone project, enhancing career readiness in various fields. Classes start every May and September, with NECHE accreditation.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Recommend Rate: 88%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $27,913
  • Repayment Rate: 93%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 675 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $39,605
  • Location: Savannah (GA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Photography

Why we like them: SCAD offers an accessible Master of Fine Arts in Photography. Overall, the school has hundreds of online students, highlighting its commitment to higher education through distance learning. And with a strong graduation rate of 72% and a 90% recommendation rate, SCAD showcases significant student satisfaction and success. The program helps students develop skills in both digital and traditional photography techniques, and it results in median graduate earnings of $42,119 a few years after graduation. That's a B- Salary Score compared to peer MFA degrees nationwide.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Recommend Rate: 90%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $13,157
  • Repayment Rate: 91%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 629 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $32,685
  • Locations: Multiple Locations

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Why we like them: Brenau offers a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design delivered online, providing a flexible two-year learning experience. The program allows for personalized concentration with expert faculty, resulting in a thesis and teaching component. Admission does not require GRE/GMAT, and up to nine credits can be transferred. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an 89% recommendation rate, BU ensures a supportive environment for its online students. Graduates of this program are prepared for advanced practice and academia in interior design.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 55%
  • Recommend Rate: 89%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $22,146
  • Repayment Rate: N/A
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 408 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $14,281
  • Locations: Monticello (AR) (and 1 other)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Debate and Communication

Why we like them: UAM offers a fully online Master of Fine Arts in Debate and Communication designed for secondary and postsecondary debate coaches. This 48-semester-hour program focuses on coaching, administration, and research, allowing up to nine transferable semester hours. Students can enjoy flexible coursework from 3 to 12 hours per term, culminating in a thesis and comprehensive exams. Admission requires official transcripts, proof of coaching employment, and a personal essay.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,286
  • Repayment Rate: 77%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

  • Online Enrollment: 344 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $14,008
  • Location: New Orleans (LA)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Why we like them: UNO features an online creative writing MFA program. It offers a comprehensive curriculum taught by esteemed faculty, which covers Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry classes online. The program requires 45 credit hours and can be completed in five semesters for full-time students, providing flexibility for part-timers. UNO emphasizes a collaborative, semester-based structure, enabling exposure to diverse teaching styles and peer networking.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Recommend Rate: 67%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $10,260
  • Repayment Rate: 91%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

  • Online Enrollment: 167 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $33,146
  • Location: Wilmore (KY)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Film/TV Production

Why we like them: AU offers an MFA degree in Film/TV Production that offers an immersive online experience for passionate storytellers. The curriculum focuses on storytelling principles and hands-on production skills, enabling students to collaborate with industry experts and enhance their professional portfolios with vital topics like technical skills, media ethics, and research proficiency. The master's program prepares graduates for successful careers in directing, producing, cinematography, and more within the film and television industry.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $24,888
  • Repayment Rate: 95%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

  • Online Enrollment: 136 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $37,682
  • Location: New Haven (CT)

Online degree: Master of Fine Arts in Writing

Why we like them: Albertus is ranked 20th among the top schools with best online MFA degrees nationwide. This online MFA in Writing is designed to support aspiring writers balancing career and family commitments. This no-residency, flexible program enables students to work on a professional writing portfolio across genres while learning from published faculty. Graduates gain industry insight, positioning them for careers in writing, editing, marketing, and academia.

Key Metrics:

  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Recommend Rate: 100%
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $26,016
  • Repayment Rate: N/A
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

Online MFA Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In


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Online MFA Programs: An Overview

A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) offers the opportunity to study a variety of artistic professions. Many artists choose to pursue a master's program because these fields are highly competitive and take significant effort to become successful. Students in an online MFA program typically devote two to three years to taking studio and theory courses while working on a thesis project. The structure of the thesis will depend on the degree's focus. For example, students working toward a creative writing degree may be required to write a complete novel, while a graphic design degree might help students develop a series of advertisements for a particular product.



While most graduates use a master's degree to further develop their artistic mission and create works of art for sale or display, some enter more commercial areas of art and design, utilizing their MFA to qualify for supervisory or leadership positions.


Online art and design programs in areas such as illustration, painting, or fashion design may require students to scan and upload their work for critique by peers and instructors. Some online art and design degrees, such as architecture degrees or interior design degrees, have residency requirements, meaning that students must travel to campus to participate in seminars and design labs, often lasting about a week.

While most graduates use a master's degree to further develop their artistic mission and create works of art for sale or display, some enter more commercial areas of art and design, utilizing their MFA to qualify for supervisory or leadership positions. Some MFA graduates also pursue careers in teaching.

Program Requirements

Online master's degrees in art and design are much more variable in coursework and graduation requirements than undergraduate degrees. Some graduate degree programs may require just 36 semester credits, as well as a significant amount of hands-on studio work. However, many top MFA programs may require upwards of 72 credits plus hands-on studio work, thesis projects, and/or portfolio development.

MFA Online Courses

Onlines courses for an MFA can vary depending on which concentration, major, or emphasis you choose. For example, the best MFA art programs in screenwriting and directing may require students to explore courses covering the fundamentals of directing during their first year before advancing to the practicalities of production.

Overall, the curriculum of an online MFA is tailored toward your degree focus. Most coursework includes critique, studio time, and theory classes, where you'll explore the different facets of your field. Critique involves contextualizing, understanding, and assessing works of art, while studio courses allow students to practice hands-on work in a professional environment. Finally, theory classes take a look at the historical, societal, and psychological aspects of artwork.

Are you unsure about pursuing an online MFA? Explore other options on our list of popular online master's programs.

Career Opportunities for MFA Graduates

Earning an MFA gives you 2-3 years to produce hands-on work and receive feedback from professors — a process that's likely to enhance your skills. This degree may open the door to more opportunities and advanced positions that involve creative expression.

The following are some possible career paths for MFA holders:

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Annual Median Salary: $98,950
Job Growth: 8%

An MFA in Animation, Illustration, or Motion Media Design may lead to a career as a special effects artist or animator. Often employed by media production companies, these highly skilled artists use computer programs to create images, animations, and special effects for various types of digital media.

Writers and Authors

Annual Median Salary: $73,150
Job Growth: 4%

One of the most popular online MFAs focuses on writing, and this type of master's program is designed to prepare graduates for writing careers in fiction, nonfiction, technical writing, poetry, and/or screenwriting. Depending on the type of work they do, writers may be self-employed, or they may create written content for one or more clients or employers.

Graphic Designers

Annual Median Salary: $57,990
Job Growth: 3%

Graphic designers can enhance their skills by earning an MFA in graphic design. Advanced designers use various computer programs to develop and produce concepts for different types of media, such as ads, magazines, and books. They often work for design services firms or large organizations, or they can be self-employed.

Interior Designers

Annual Median Salary: $61,590
Job Growth: 4%

An MFA in interior design may help interior designers improve their design skills and color sense so they can create beautiful, functional interiors. Some graduates become self-employed, while others work for interior design or architectural firms.

Professors

Annual Median Salary: $80,840
Job Growth: 8%

Prospective graduate students may wonder, "Do I need an MFA to be a professor?" The short answer is yes, at minimum. College professors design the curricula that shape the art courses they're teaching. Therefore, it's crucial that they first acquire a high level of education to not only understand the nuances of their given artistic subject but stay up-to-date on the latest trends and research. However, most higher education institutions require professors to have a PhD.

Is an Online MFA Worth It?

Whether a master's degree in the arts is worth the investment of time and money depends on your personal goals and circumstances, such as finances and other commitments. While earning an MFA will most likely help you hone your creative and technical skills, most critics agree that the degree may not yield more job opportunities or higher pay. There are also pros and cons to earning this degree online. Opting for distance education gives you a wider range of programs to choose from without having to relocate, but the online learning environment may not give you the level of peer interaction you want.

So, is it worth it to get an MFA? Alongside the financial, time commitment and personal considerations, let's take a look at the potential benefits and disadvantages of taking a masters of fine arts program online:

Potential Benefits

  • You can earn your degree on your own time from the comfort of your home while maintaining a healthy study-life balance.

  • Online learning still allows you to hone your creative and technical skills through innovative computer programs without the need to work in a studio environment.

  • You can follow your passion with a lower financial commitment than an on-campus learning environment that may require relocation and then daily transportation costs.

Potential Disadvantages

  • MFA programs take an additional two- to three-year commitment after you complete your bachelor's degree.

  • In most cases, an MFA alone is not a sufficient credential to become an art professor at a university.

  • Some students may find that physically being in a studio with other students is more beneficial to their craft than studying remotely from home. This comes down to your personal learning preference.

FAQs About an Online MFA

Can I Do an MFA Online?


Yes, online MFA programs are widely offered from many respectable institutions around the country. Students attending these art schools can study everything from film directing to creative writing. Some of the best MFA programs will feature mostly online learning, with the option for students to participate in studios and workshops on campus.

Is an MA Better Than an MFA?


Deciding between an MA or an MFA depends on your future goals. An MA in the arts has an academic focus and is often a precursor to earning a PhD. The programs typically involve a great deal of research and writing. An MFA, on the other hand, is considered a terminal degree, and coursework is designed to develop advanced skills in a particular art form.

How Many Years Is an MFA?


Master of fine arts online programs generally take two to three years to complete. In some cases, students can accelerate some coursework and finish the degree in just two years. Meanwhile, students who choose to study at their own pace can be allotted up to three years to complete their MFA degree.

Which MFA Is Best?


The best online MFA programs are those that prepare you for the career you have in mind. If your dream is to write an award-winning novel, an MFA in creative writing may be the best way to obtain the necessary literary skills. If you aspire to create the next hot video game, an MFA in animation may be a good choice for you.

Student Reviews of Online MFA Programs

Bryce Parker, Graduated 2022

Attended: New Hampshire Institute of Art

Absolutely fantastic. The community we had together was close and their connections were diverse and influential. I was given connections to professional mentors across the country that helped me build my work and network and see how my art was received on a greater scale then my main community provided. They did a great service providing an environment to teach and to learn without feeling judged for not having a full knowledge of everything you were asked.

Review Date: 7/15/2022

Attended: New Hampshire Institute of Art

Overall Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Bryce Parker, Graduated 2022

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